PINOY PRIDE XXIV: EXPECT AN EXPLOSIVE MU?OZ
By Rene Bonsubre, Jr.
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 27 Feb 2014
PARA?AQUE CITY - Former WBA super flyweight world champion Alexander Mu?oz of Venezuela displayed the calm and self-belief of a veteran during the press conference held today at the Solaire Resort and Casino.
The 35 year old Mu?oz (36-5, 28 KO's) will be pitted against undefeated 22 year old Genesis Servania (23-0, 9 KO's) of the ALA gym in the main event of the 24th offering of 'PINOY PRIDE'. The Venezuelan stated that despite losing his last fight in May 2013, he had a three month preparation for this bout.
"I was already thinking about retirement after losing to Leo Santa Cruz. I was working on my business in Venezuela," Mu?oz said, "But when I got the offer to fight and being a warrior, I accepted." "This will be a good fight on Saturday. My advantage is that I have a lot of experience in championship fights. I feel good, I feel strong. I have the experience and I am more than ready to fight."
Mu?oz had abbreviated wins in all of his first 23 fights, earning his moniker 'El Explosivo". He dethroned Celes Kobayashi of Japan in 2002 by 8th round TKO for his title. This is the same Kobayashi who figured in a split draw against Malcolm Tu?acao for the Filipino's WBC world flyweight title in 1999.
Mu?oz cited Kobayashi, Martin Castillo and Koki Kameda as the best champions that he faced. Santa Cruz also won the WBC super bantamweight belt after beating Mu?oz. These names underscore Mu?oz' ring knowledge. He also predicted a knockout win against Servania. He also feels that age will not be a factor. "Manny Pacquiao is 35, Marquez is 40,Mayweather is 37, Hopkins is 48. They are my inspiration."
Mu?oz is also used to fighting on the road having won several times in Japan.
Servania for his part is confident that his two month training session in California and Mexico will be a big difference in this fight. "I sparred with quality boxers, I trained hard. I will not predict a knockout but we will see what happens on top of the ring."
Last October 26, Servania knocked out cold Rafael Concepcion of Panama in two rounds in his last fight in Cebu City. Servania will be putting his WBO Intercontinental super bantamweight belt and number three WBO world ranking on the line.
Top photo: Genesis Servania (L) and Alexander Munoz (R) face off during Thursday's presscon at the Solaire Casino in Paranaque City.
Genesis Servania.
Alexander Munoz.
L-R: Albert Pagara, WBO Vice-President Leon Panoncillo, Genesis Servania, ALA Promotions President Michael Aldeguer (partly hidden), ABS-CBN Integrated Sports Dino Laurena, Alexander Munoz, Munoz's manager Jorge Ignacio Zerpa Roa and Solaire president for brand and marketing Jasper Evangelista pose during Thursday presscon at Solaire Casino in Paranaque City.
Photos by Dong Secuya.
In the main undercard match, "Prince" Albert Pagara (18-0, 12 KO's) will trade punches with Isack Letidina Junior (22-4-2,8KO's) of Indonesia.
Another unbeaten Pinoy prospect, "King" Arthur Villanueva (24-0, 14KO's) will square off against Fernando Aguilar (9-6, 1KO) of Mexico. Villanueva will no longer be defending his WBO International super flyweight title since his original opponent Juan Hernandez, withdrew from the fight due to reported injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.
Also set to appear are Mark "Magnifico" Magsayo vs Royroy Sumugat (6 rounds), Melvin "Top Gun" Gumban vs Dino Lelis (8 rounds), Vic Saludar vs Philip Luis Cuerdo (6 rounds) and the event will be kick started by Reymi Castellano Aleye of Cuba vs Diover Mangaya-ay.
Aleye (3-0, 1 KO) had an impressive Philippine debut in Cebu City last January when he beat Rodel Wenceslao by unanimous decision. His first two pro bouts were held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
The official weigh-in will be held Friday noon at the Robinson's Galleria in Ortigas. PINOY PRIDE XXIV - THE FUTURE IS NOW will be on Saturday March 1 6PM at the Solaire Resort and Casino Grand Ballroom. Also attending Thursday's press conference were GAB Chairman Juan Ramon Guanzon, WBO Asia Pacific chief Leon Panoncillo and ALA Promotions President and CEO Michael Aldeguer.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Rene Bonsubre, Jr..
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